Mark Francis Welsh – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Mark Francis Welsh is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at McMaster University - Institute for Applied Health Sciences in Hamilton, ON, Mark Welsh is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Mark Welsh focuses on providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Mark Welsh serves a diverse range of patients within the Hamilton community.

Mark Francis Welsh completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2015). With extensive clinical experience, Mark Welsh is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Mark Welsh has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Mark Welsh employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Mark Welsh promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy. Mark Welsh offers consultations in English.

Mark Francis Welsh provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

Sports Injury

• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): A common cause of lateral knee pain in athletes, often linked to training errors, muscle imbalances (e.g., weak hip abductors), or poor biomechanics, which physiotherapy aims to address.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Common joint injuries in athletes affecting stability, causing immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and functional loss, often requiring a structured rehabilitation program.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue (periosteum) around the tibia, which requires rest, activity modification, and specific physiotherapy interventions for recovery.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Acute pain, swelling, bruising, localized tenderness, and weakness in a muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or throwing.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. Diagnosis for physiotherapist is based on individual assessment, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Mark Welsh can assess your needs.

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): The application of focused acoustic waves (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) by a trained Physiotherapist to treat chronic tendon issues (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), calcific tendinosis, and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Mark Welsh, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Physiotherapists in ON and the standards set by The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

At McMaster University - Institute for Applied Health Sciences, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Mark Welsh frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Mark Welsh believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies is hindering your ability to simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions, a personalized plan focusing on a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities can make all the difference.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches and achieved a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience under the skilled care of Mark Welsh. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf with a new lease on life.
• For those whose dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) has made managing their personal care routines independently seem like a distant memory, Mark Welsh's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to managing their personal care routines independently with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Tired of swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment interfering with returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain? Mark Welsh uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks and regain your freedom of movement.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Mark Welsh, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Mark Welsh's practice is located at McMaster University - Institute for Applied Health Sciences, situated in the Westdale, Ainslie Wood (McMaster University area) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near the Delta Area and is accessible via the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement of services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics for most Ontarians. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. It's essential to check your private insurance coverage as many plans offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Is there parking available at or near McMaster University - Institute for Applied Health Sciences?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to the McMaster University - Institute for Applied Health Sciences building. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

McMaster University - Institute for Applied Health Sciences
1400 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7

Mark Francis Welsh is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Physiotherapy Act, 1991 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Registration Number: XXX68

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=39be2ed5-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.